As our understanding of early childhood brain development expands, so too should our appreciation for the importance of high-quality early care and education. During the first years of life, children experience unparalleled socio-emotional, behavioral, and cognitive growth and development.

What does a quality pre-kindergarten program look like? What does it not look like? These are common questions parents have when deciding where to place their children. The Center for Public Education has created this short, informative video that helps define quality with five examples.

Young children learn through their interactions with the people and places that surround them. When those interactions are secure, nurturing and stimulating, a solid foundation is laid for optimal early childhood brain development.

The first few years of life are a period of intense brain development. This period is vital, for example, in early language development, in the formation of pre-reading and pre-math skills, in symbol and pattern recognition, and in the early development of emotional control and social skills that lead to school success.